DEP Releases Final Guidance On Handling Radioactive Waste From Unconventional Shale Gas Drilling Operations

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the June 11 PA Bulletin of final guidance on handling radioactive waste going to solid waste processing and disposal facilities from unconventional shale gas drilling operations and other sources.

The guidance does not cover waste from conventional oil and gas operations, even though it is similar.

In addition to these requirements, DEP is also reviewing its policies for allowing the on-site disposal of radioactive and nonradioactive wastes where oil and gas well plugging will be doing on under the new federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law plugging program.  Read more here.

Click Here for a copy of the final guidance [DEP ID: 250-3100-001].  Click Here for comment and response document.

Questions should be directed to Ali Tarquino Morris at altarquino@pa.gov or (717) 783-2388.

[NOTE: This post will be updated as more information becomes available.]

Related Articles:

-- DEP: Potential For Environmental Impacts From Spills Or Leaks Of Radioactive Oil & Gas Waste Materials Is Real

-- DEP: Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Prompting Review Of On-Site Disposal Options For Oil & Gas Well Plugging Wastes; Radioactive Waste Disposal 

-- On-Site Conventional Oil & Gas Drilling Waste Disposal Plans Making Hundreds Of Drilling Sites Waste Dumps 

-- Senate Hearing: Body Of Evidence Is 'Large, Growing,’ ‘Consistent’ And 'Compelling' That Shale Gas Development Is Having A Negative Impact On Public Health; PA Must Act  [PaEN]

-- New Penn State Study Finds Runoff From Conventional Oil & Gas Wastewater Dumped On Unpaved Roads Contains Pollutants That Exceed Human-Health, Environmental Standards 

-- Preliminary Results From New Penn State Study Find Increased Cancer, Health Risks From Road Dumping Conventional Drilling Wastewater, Especially For Children 

-- New Pitt-Duquesne Study Shows Higher Exposures To Radiation In Road Dumping Of Drilling Wastewater When Appropriate Exposure Scenarios Are Used 

-- The Science Says: Spreading Conventional Drilling Wastewater On Dirt & Gravel Roads Can Harm Aquatic Life, Poses Health Risks To Humans - And It Damages The Roads 

[Posted: June 10, 2022]  PA Environment Digest